Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero says the decision to rename Sandton Drive dates back to 2018 under the DA-led government, but assured residents that the city will carefully consider any possible diplomatic implications before making a final decision.
The city wanted to rename Sandton Drive after Palestinian activist Leila Khaled.
This led to public outrage over the matter, which also prompted the closure of the United States consulate.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Johannesburg, Morero reaffirmed the city’s commitment to diplomatic sensitivity in the Sandton Drive renaming processes.
“The city acknowledges public discourse regarding the proposed renaming of Sandton Drive and emphasises its dedication to a thoroughly considered approach,” he said.
The city is also engaging with the presidency, among other stakeholders, to ensure that the escalating tensions between Washington and Pretoria are resolved.
“The city is committed to engaging with relevant stakeholders before any decision is finalised. However, it should be noted that the council made the resolutions in 2018,” he maintained.
In 2018, the Johannesburg City Council passed a motion to rename Sandton Drive in honor of Khaled. However, it was later reported that the DA opposed the motion, citing non-compliance with the policy guidelines for naming and renaming, which had been reviewed in November 2017.
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya also confirmed that they were in talks with the city in a bid to find out how the project can proceed without fuelling tensions with the US.
Magwenya stressed the importance of maintaining peace in the process because of how this process can damage relations with the US.
This also saw Joel Pollak, threatening the government that there would be dire consequences if Sandton Drive was renamed to Khalid.
The South African-born, Pollak wanted to be the next US ambassador to South Africa but he was beaten to it by Brent Bozell. The news was announced on Tuesday.
Furthermore, Morero urged all political parties in the city to participate in the process.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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